Maternity Exercise Garment

ABSTRACT

A maternity exercise garment for pregnant women includes abdominal and breast support portions integrated with a cover portion. The abdominal support portion comprises a plush-elastic band which is hidden and provides compression and support while still promoting comfort and freedom of movement. The abdominal support is positioned at the base of the abdomen to assist with lift of the abdomen of the pregnant women and to redistribute the extra weight.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application62/065,450 filed on Oct. 17, 2014.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to maternity exercise garmentsand more particularly to improved abdomen, breast and back support for apregnant woman.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention generally relates to a maternity exercise garment whichincludes, as main elements, the following items: a cover portion andsupport portion, wherein the support portion consists of an abdomensupport (e.g. Mumband™) portion.

There has thus been broadly outlined some of the features of theinvention in order that the detailed description thereof may be betterunderstood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may bebetter appreciated. There are additional features of the invention thatwill be described hereinafter.

In this respect, before explaining any embodiment of the invention indetail, the invention is not limited in its application to the detailsof construction or to the arrangements of the components set forth inthe following description or illustrated in the drawings. The inventionis capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried outin various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology andterminology employed herein are for the purpose of the description andshould not be regarded as limiting.

An object is to provide a maternity exercise garment to be usedespecially for expecting women to ensure support of the woman's abdomen,especially while the woman moves and especially while the womanexercises.

Another object is to provide a maternity exercise garment that isvisually appealing designed with the pregnant woman's shape in mind, andthat wearers will wear throughout normal everyday life.

Another object is to provide a maternity exercise garment that is novel,more simple (e.g. one piece), and more technical (e.g. more technicalfabrics) than the current alternatives for pregnant women who wish toexercise.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will becomeobvious to the reader. It is intended that these objects and advantagesbe within the scope of the present invention. To the accomplishment ofthe above and related objects, this invention may be embodied in theform illustrated in the accompanying drawings, attention being called tothe fact, however, that the drawings are illustrative only, and thatchanges may be made in the specific construction illustrated anddescribed within the scope of this application.

Implementations of the disclosure may include one or more of thefollowing features.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various other objects, features and attendant advantages of the presentinvention will become fully appreciated as the same becomes betterunderstood when considered in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings, in which like reference characters designate the same orsimilar parts throughout the several views.

The disclosure will now be described, by way of example, with referenceto the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a right side view of an exemplary maternity exercise garment.

FIG. 2 is a right side view of an exemplary maternity exercise garment.

FIG. 3 is a right side view of an exemplary exercise garment, with thecover portion.

FIG. 4 is a right side view of an exemplary exercise garment, with analternate cover portion.

FIG. 5 is a right side view of an alternate embodiment of the exercisegarment, wherein the abdomen support (e.g. the Mumband™) is shown in agarment bottom.

FIG. 5 is a right side view of an alternate embodiment of the exercisegarment, wherein the abdomen support (e.g. the Mumband™) is shown in analternate garment bottom.

FIG. 7 is a front view of an alternate embodiment, specifically a yogapant.

FIG. 8 is a back view of an alternate embodiment, specifically a yogapant.

FIG. 9 is a front view of an alternate embodiment, specifically a capripant.

FIG. 10 is a back view of an alternate embodiment, specifically a capripant.

FIG. 11 is a cross-section view of an exemplary maternity exercisegarment.

FIG. 12 is a front view of an exemplary Abdomen Support.

FIG. 13 is a back view of an exemplary Abdomen Support.

FIG. 14 is a left side view of an exemplary Abdomen Support.

FIG. 15 is a right side view of an alternate embodiment of the maternityexercise garment in a tank top style, with dotted lines designatingplacement of the Abdomen Support.

FIG. 16 is a right side view of an exemplary maternity exercise garment,with dotted lines designating placement of the Abdomen Support.

Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like elements.

-   -   10. Maternity Exercise Garment;    -   12. Abdomen Support (e.g. Mumband™);    -   12′. Abdomen Compression Fabric;    -   12″. Support Elastic;    -   14. Bra/Chest Support;    -   16. Shoulder Support/Shoulder Strap;    -   18. Cover;    -   20. Fastener;    -   22. Top Elastic;    -   24. Top Lining.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION A. Overview

Throughout history pregnant women have had the desire to exercise duringtheir pregnancies but have experienced various health concerns and atthe very least great discomfort while exercising with a pregnantabdomen.

The pregnant abdomen can weigh as much as thirty (30) pounds. This extraweight can move and shift placing increased tension or strain on thetorso section of the pregnant woman. More specifically, the abdomen,breasts (which are growing in size also), and back of a pregnant womanrequire increased support to prevent muscle strain (e.g. backaches andmuscle fatigue). Pregnant women who want to work out desire to do so andstill be safe. They further desire to be comfortable and avoid theintrusive and/or multiple piece garments available currently.

Various entities have attempted to create the solution to these problemsby creating stopgap support systems. In alternative solutions, othersentities have provided consumers support through belts, separate bracesor other two step alternatives. Current one piece alternatives do notappear to be providing the desired support, apparently because of toofew layers, with compression weaves that are woven around the belly in asingle layer or because they utilize fabrics/materials which are notstrong enough to support the necessary weight. Available abdomensupports are also bulky and intrusive. Further, available maternityactivewear lacks support, style and technical fabrics.

With advances in modern technology, the maternity activewear industrythat began many years ago is nevertheless susceptible to furtheradvancements that may enhance or improve, for example, the way a skilledor non-skilled person may contribute to the area. Therefore, a needexists for the development of improved components, devices and the likethat advance the art.

Activewear has been developed to assist pregnant women from experiencedexerciser to the novice in their interest to maintain their fitnesslevel while pregnant. These women have the need to exercise inactivewear that is fashionable, comfortable and easy to put on.

Research shows that the pregnant woman's lower back tends to curve morethroughout the pregnancy, shifting the body's center of gravity.

Foregoing products provide inadequate support for a woman's back andabdomen while she is engaged in weight-bearing exercise. Thesepredecessors are also uncomfortable and restrictive.

There is much documentation describing the concerns and benefitsexercise during pregnancy. Unfortunately, the activewear options forpregnant women are difficult to put on, wear and are not generallyfashionable.

B. Maternity Exercise Garment

One of the major concerns focused on by the existing means used tosupport the abdomen (and other body parts) of pregnant women is thehealth of the pregnant woman. Healthy pregnancies have been shown to bea result (at least in part) of the mother's exercise during pregnancy.The instant invention makes it easier for the expectant mother toexercise. Lesser concerns include fashion concerns and comfort duringexercise while pregnant. The invention described, addresses theseproblems.

The invention combines fashion and function in an exercise garment forthe pregnant woman. This maternity exercise garment 10 is fashionable,comfortable and provides support through an integrated supportstructure. The fashion and comfort aspects encourage the pregnant womanto wear the exercise garment, over the alternatives and the supportallows the pregnant woman to exercise, generally for the full pregnancyterm. The integrated support has a two piece abdomen support (abdomencompression fabric 12′ and support elastic 12″) to assist in bearing theweight of the pregnant abdomen, thus alleviating the downward pressureassociated with body movement and especially with exercise.

The present invention is a one piece garment with built in support thatis also fashionable so that it may be worn with pride for daily life(when not exercising). This attention to style is currently lacking inthe market.

The present invention contains a hidden layer (the Mumband™) whichprovides compression and support. The Mumband™ further promotes comfortand freedom of movement.

The present invention is designed to provide the wearer support fromunderneath the abdomen as well as holding the abdomen tighter from thesides. While wearing the present invention the wearer will clearlynotice the benefit of the garment providing lift to the abdomen whileadditionally providing comfort to the wearer's back. The supportplush-elastic band is positioned under the abdomen (e.g. at the base ofthe abdomen) and around the small of the lower-back to help lift andredistribute the extra weight.

Foregoing products are more tubular or cylindrical in shape and do notcreate the upward movement of the present invention. These tubularproducts just provide the wearer the benefits of compression withoutlift. Alternatively, the available support belts simply provide liftwithout much, if any, benefit of compression. The present inventioncombines compression and lift in a one piece maternity exercise garment10.

The preferred embodiment of the invention is a maternity exercisegarment 10 with support located around the waist of the wearer andfitting snuggly under the abdomen of the wearer.

The preferred embodiment of the invention contains a support elastic 12″that is longer in the front portion of the garment (and thus the frontof the wearer) and shorter in the back of the garment (and the wearer)to allow it to better fit around the abdomen of the wearer.

The preferred embodiment of the invention contains a support elastic 12″that is secured (e.g. stitched) directly to the abdomen compressionfabric 12′ and the elastic portion of the support elastic 12″ lays orends in the lower back portion or lumbar portion of the abdomencompression fabric 12′ (and wearer) to carry more weight and thusprovide the wearer with more support. The abdomen compression fabric 12′is shorter or more narrow (as in height) in the back versus the front.The shorter fabric in the back brings the abdomen compression fabric 12″up the lumbar section of the back to give it more support. In thepreferred embodiment, the abdomen compression fabric 12′ is tubular inshape.

The cover 18 is utilized as an outer garment and to cover the abdomencompression fabric 12′, support elastic 12″ and bra/chest support 14portions, if any.

The present invention contains a support elastic 12″ for the supportlocated around the waist of the wearer. The support elastic 12″ goesfrom the lumbar portion of the back of the user to low on the front(under the abdomen) of the user.

An embodiment of the maternity exercise garment 10 in a top isillustrated in FIGS. 1-4 and 11. It can be appreciated by one skilled inthe art that the present invention could be embodied in a garment otherthan the tank top shown.

In an alternate embodiment of the invention, the support elastic 12″ issecured (e.g. stitched) in bottoms (e.g. pants, shorts, or skirts). Inthe bottoms the support elastic 12″ goes all the way around the waist ofthe bottoms. The abdomen compression fabric 12′ does not go all the wayaround the torso, leaving the wearer's back exposed. Rather, the abdomencompression fabric 12″ in the bottoms is secured (e.g. stitched) intothe sides, and is secured (e.g. stitched) at the edges around thesupport elastic 12″ in a manner to provide maximum compression for theabdomen of the wearer. The abdomen compression fabric 12′ in conjunctionwith the support elastic 12″ provide the desired upward lift of theabdomen of the wearer.

In an alternate embodiment of the invention, the support elastic 12″ issecured into the top (e.g. belt area or waist line) of the bottoms.

The wearer of the maternity exercise garment 10 may wear a top with anabdomen support 12, including an abdomen compression fabric 12′ andsupport elastic 12″ along with bottoms with a support elastic 12″ forincreased support without sacrificing comfort.

Specifically, FIG. 11 is a cross-section (or X-ray view) of tank topwhich shows where the abdomen support 12 is situated in relation to thebra/chest support 14, shoulder support/shoulder strap 16. This viewdemonstrates the integrated inner support structure system of thematernity exercise garment 10 of the present invention.

FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate the top elastic 22 of an embodiment of thepresent invention. The top elastic 22 is secured to the bra/chestsupport 14 and the bra/chest support 14 is secured to the cover 18 atthe top of the maternity exercise garment 10 (e.g. at the shoulder ofthe wearer).

The preferred embodiment contains an abdominal support (consisting of anabdominal compression fabric 12′ and a support elastic 12″) that is twoinches (2″) wide. Less width results in too little upward lift of thebottom of the abdomen of the wearer. More width results in too muchfabric/elastic by the abdomen of the wearer and results in waste.Additional width may also pull/cut into the belly too much and causediscomfort to the wearer.

In alternate embodiments the abdomen support 12 consists of a supportelastic 12′ which has a width ranging from one and three-quarter inchesand two and one-quarter inches and an abdomen compression fabric 12′which has a thickness ranging from 155 grams per square meter and 175grams per square meter.

In the present invention the top of the abdomen compression fabric 12′is sewn to the bra/chest support 14 which is sewn to the cover 18. Nopart of the abdomen support 12 is secured to the cover 18 directly. Morespecifically the abdomen support 12 is connected to an elastic portionof the bra/chest support 14 and the bra/chest support 14 is secured tothe cover 18 at the shoulder. In an alternate embodiment, wherein agarment top does not contain a bra/chest support 14 the abdomen support12 is attached to a lining 24 and then the lining 24 attached to cover18 at the shoulder. The wearer can thus lift the cover 18 to theshoulders to reveal underneath (as seen in FIG. 11), the show eitherlining and an abdomen support 12 or a bra/chest support and an abdomensupport 12, which are sewn into the cover 18 so that it is easier forthe wearer to put on, wear and take off.

The preferred embodiment allows the wearer to move or adjust the supportelastic 12″ in the front of the garment (of the user) allowing thesupport elastic 12″ to create more constant tension and thus moresupport.

Pregnant bellies come in many shapes and sizes. Some are wider thanothers and some are more out in front. An added benefit of the instantinvention is that is more universally conforms to the many differentshapes and sizes, thus providing a uniformity of support across avariety of belly shapes and sizes.

The preferred embodiment is made of fabrics (e.g. spandex) that willprovide further effects of compression over the entire covered portionof the wearer.

The abdomen support 12 lifts and compresses the pregnant abdomen. Theabdomen support 12 fights against gravity by pulling in with the abdomencompression fabric 12′ (compression) and up with the strong supportelastic 12″ (lift) underneath the belly that angles up to low backcreating upward pressure.

In an alternate embodiment, the invention does not contain the cover 18and consists solely of the support portions (abdomen support 12 andBra/Chest Support 14).

In an alternate embodiment, the invention does not contain the cover 18or the bra/chest support 14 and consists solely of the abdomen support12 (including the abdomen compression fabric 12′ and support elastic12″).

In an alternate embodiment, the invention consists solely of the supportelastic 12″.

In an alternate embodiment, the invention consists solely of an elasticband (not necessarily a support elastic 12″) that is worn around thewaist/hips of the wearer.

In an alternate embodiment, the pieces of or the entire maternityexercise garment 10 (e.g. abdomen support 12, bra/chest support 14,and/or cover 18) are manufactured with fabrics that allow it to bebetter suited as attire to be worn while performing athletic activities(e.g. exercise). Fabrics that include spandex and a mix of othermaterials with properties that allow them to stretch with the wearer'sbody in motion. The fabrics further are of a weight, not too heavy orthick, to allow for better breathability for the wearer's skin andgenerally more comfortable movement for the wearer.

The preferred materials for the abdomen support 12 consist of a blend ofnylon and spandex.

The preferred materials for the abdomen compression fabric 12′ consistof a blend of nylon and spandex.

In an alternate embodiment, the support elastic 12″ is stitched into thecover 18 in a way so as to allow it stretch to the maximum amount. Forinstance, the support elastic 12″ is secured into the cover 18 near thetop of the cover 18 (e.g. near or at the shoulders) to provide themaximum stretch of the support elastic 12″ and the desired support. Thispositioning also allows the abdomen compression fabric 12′ to conform toand better support more shapes of bellies, because the fit is notlimited by any of the seams (e.g. stitching).

In alternate embodiments of the invention the support elastic 12″ and/orbra/chest support 14 are secured (e.g. stitched) into various tops (e.g.tank top, t-shirt, or long sleeve shirt).

In an alternate embodiment the garment includes a bra/chest supportportion.

The present invention eliminates the need for users to use separatepieces to cover specific body parts or body regions.

The present invention implements an integrated support system that iscovered by a fashionable cover portion.

The maternity exercise garment 10 is designed to be supportive of theexpectant woman, especially her torso, during any exercise and for anyother movement.

In an alternate embodiment the maternity exercise garment 10 contains afastener 20 to tighten the bottom of the maternity exercise garment 10(more specifically the cover 18), for example around the woman's hips orbase of the woman's belly.

In an alternate embodiment the support elastic 12″ is secured indirectlyto the cover 18.

In an alternate embodiment, the top elastic 22 is situated under the braor part of the bra in a top and/or above the abdomen compression fabric12′ in the bottoms to hold or secure the abdomen compression fabric 12′in the desired position.

The abdomen compression fabric 12′ is designed to compress the abdomenof the wearer to restrict movement of the abdomen during exercise. Whilethe abdomen compression fabric 12′ (in the tops or bottoms) providegeneral support of the abdomen, it also acts as shapewear to providesmoothing of areas of the body that change during pregnancy or withextra weight.

The description and drawings contained herein display many of theadvantages of the present invention. In particular, through market andproduct research it has been shown over and over that preceding garmentsdesigned to be worn during pregnancy are extremely uncomfortable, arenot fashionable or flattering and lack the necessary support forpregnant women engaging in exercise. The present invention demonstratessignificant improvements over the prior art because it includes a onepiece support structure system which provides sufficient abdomen supportand bra/chest support to support the enlarged (or enlarging) upper body.Together the support portions and the fabric provide abdomen, chest andback support and compression. The maternity exercise garment 10 may bemade of a flexible and moisture wicking fabric that is preferably porousso that the body does not overheat.

What has been described and illustrated herein is a preferred embodimentof the invention along with some of its variations. The terms,descriptions and figures used herein are set forth by way ofillustration only and are not meant as limitations. Those skilled in theart will recognize that many variations are possible within the spiritand scope of the invention in which all terms are meant in theirbroadest, reasonable sense unless otherwise indicated. Any headingsutilized within the description are for convenience only and have nolegal or limiting effect. For example, the garment (top and/or bottoms)may be worn by anyone in need of additional support during movement orexercise. As disclosed, the support components may be incorporated indifferent sequences and within other various maternity fitness wear(e.g. tank tops, short or long sleeve shirts, jackets, pants, shorts,skirts, etc.). The present invention is not limited to the materials ormaterial properties or characteristics disclosed.

What is claimed is:
 1. A garment to be worn by a pregnant woman,comprising: an abdomen support, wherein said abdomen support is coveredby a cover portion.
 2. A garment to be worn by a pregnant woman,comprising: an abdomen support, wherein said abdomen support is coveredby a cover portion, and wherein said abdomen support consists of anabdomen compression fabric and a support elastic.
 3. The garment ofclaim 2, wherein said abdomen compression fabric is a blend comprisingnylon and spandex and consists of moisture wicking material.
 4. Thegarment of claim 2, wherein said abdomen support is a blend comprisingnylon and spandex.
 5. The garment of claim 2, wherein said abdomensupport lifts and compresses the pregnant abdomen.
 6. The garment ofclaim 2, wherein said support elastic has a width ranging from one andthree-quarter inches and two and one-quarter inches and said abdomencompression fabric has a thickness ranging from 155 grams per squaremeter and 175 grams per square meter.
 7. The garment of claim 2, whereinsaid abdomen support and said cover are secured together in a one piecematernity exercise garment.
 8. The garment of claim 2, that contains anabdomen support with a support elastic and abdomen compression fabricthat are each longer in the front portion of the garment and shorter inthe back of the garment.
 9. The garment of claim 2, wherein said abdomensupport is a Mumband™.
 10. The garment of claim 2, wherein said garmentis worn around the upper body.
 11. The garment of claim 2, wherein saidgarment is worn on the lower body.
 12. The garment of claim 2, wherein asupport elastic is located in a garment worn around the upper body andanother support elastic is located in a garment worn on the lower body.13. A garment to be worn by a pregnant woman, comprising: a bra/chestsupport portion secured to a abdomen cover portion wherein said abdomencover portion is secured to an abdomen support portion; and saidbra/chest support portion, said abdomen cover portion and abdomensupport portion are covered by a cover portion.
 14. The garment of claim13, wherein said abdomen support portion is a blend comprising nylon andspandex.
 15. The garment of claim 13 wherein said abdomen supportportion consists of moisture wicking material.
 16. The garment of claim13, wherein said abdomen support portion lifts and compresses thepregnant abdomen.
 17. The garment of claim 13, wherein said abdomensupport has a width ranging from one and three-quarter inches and twoand one-quarter inches and a thickness ranging from 155 grams per squaremeter and 175 grams per square meter.
 18. The garment of claim 13,wherein said abdomen support consists of an abdomen compression fabricand a support elastic and said abdomen support portion and said coverare secured together in a one piece maternity exercise garment.